Website Breadcrumbs

Dojo History

The Nashville Aikikai dojo was founded by Mary and Tom McIntire, both of whom hold the rank of fifth dan granted by Saotome Sensei, the founder of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. From the start, the dojo has been a club, with all dues going to pay for the rent and other expenses of Nashville Aikikai.

Mary and Tom McIntire moved to Nashville in 1982 and taught classes at various locations in town, introducing as many people as possible to the fascinating art of Aikido. Although rewarding, this did not provide an opportunity for students to progress through the ranks. So in January 1990, the first Nashville Aikikai Dojo opened at MTSU, and a few months later they expanded their instruction at the Martial Arts Alliance in Nashville.

Eventually the Martial Arts Alliance closed, but the Aikido students were eager to keep training. The dojo moved to a church basement until April of 1994 when Tom and Mary decided it was time for the dojo to have its own home and moved to Cannery Row where Nashville Aikikai was located for 16 years. In July 2010, Nashville Aikikai relocated to our current home in East Nashville. Dojo members worked hard to create abeautiful environment conducive to training.

Over the last several years we’ve been pleased to host seminars with some of the best Aikido instructors in America including Mitsuge Saotome Shihan, Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, Patty Saotome, Kevin Choate, Steve McPeck, Tres Hofmiester, and Wendy Whited.

We welcome visitors and are grateful to the many Aikidoka who stop by when they’re in town. Come and visit us anytime. Just select Classes to determine the best time for your visit. Please come a little before class so we can introduce ourselves and make you feel welcome. If you need directions, select Dojo Location for our address and a map. Feel free to call us anytime if you have questions (615) 262-4224.

Welcome

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art developed by Morihei Ueshiba. By blending his peaceful philosophical beliefs with his broad experience of Japanese Budo, he discovered an art of peaceful reconciliation. Physical strength is not required to use these techniques of self-defense, and along the way there is no predicting what you may discover about yourself.

Non-competitive and not for profit, Aikido at Nashville Aikikai welcomes all students. We're based in Nashville, Tennessee and affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Dojo Notices

Adult beginner classes are every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. No prior experience necessary. Bring a friend!

Youth classes for ages 11 to 16 are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 pm.

Kids class for ages 6-10 is held on Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. This class is currently on hold for the summer and will resume on August 15th.

Chief Instuctors: Tom and Mary McIntire Sensei

Tom and Mary McIntire Sensei both hold the rank of Godon. They both trained directly with Saotome Shihan in Sarasota, FL and have been honored by him with the designation Ueshiba Juku. This honor is awarded by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan to selected senior students and instructors in recognition of their loyalty and dedication to building ASU and promoting O Sensei’s vision. It declares that they are not only true deshi (direct disciples) of Saotome Sensei and inheritors of his teachings, but are also part of O Sensei’s own school and pure lineage as only a true Uchi Deshi of O Sensei can recognize.